An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

To make worse; to cause to deteriorate. To endow (a word) with a less favorable meaning.

Etymology (EN): Back formation from → pejorative.

Etymology (PE): Pastârdan, literally “to render low, vile, bring down” from past “low, vile, abject,” → platykurtic, + ârdan, short for âvardan, “to cause or produce; to bring,” → cause.